Public realm phase of £130m development approved

Detailed designs of Barnsley town centre’s proposed public realm, part of the £130m Glass Works scheme, have been given the green light.

The plans were approved by the council’s cabinet this morning and will now move forward to a public consultation in December to inform the submission of full planning application.

The significant regeneration of the town centre’s public realm, which will cost over £8m, will include a new public square and comprehensive improvements to the existing public realm on May Day Green and Kendray Street, Cheapside, Queen Street, Peel Square and Midland Street.

The works aim to modernise and open-up the town’s public areas.

The flagship main square at the heart of The Glass Works will feature terraces made from astro-turf and stone, creating a local amphitheatre to host various events and
performances. There will also be a water pool, outdoor dining venues and some permanent outdoor market stalls.

Peel Square is also receiving a revamp, with the removal of the old public toilets, to create a second key space in town.

A pre-planning consultation will take place in the former Better Barnsley Shop on Cheapside on 12, 13 and 15 December.

If planning consent is approved following consultation, the phased programme of works will get underway in April 2018 on Cheapside and May Day Green, and be completed in 2020 to align with the opening of the retail and leisure phase of The Glass Works.

Cllr Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for place, said: “We are delighted the new public realm plans are going to consultation next month and we look forward to showcasing our exciting designs to the public.

“A quality public environment can have a significant impact on the economic life of our town and has always been an essential part of our regeneration strategy. Businesses are attracted to locations that offer well-designed, well-managed public places and these in turn attract customers and services.

“The new public areas will connect The Glass Works development with the rest of the town centre and create an overall sense of place. The main square will create a new location in the heart of the town for people to socialise and relax.

“We believe the changes will make a major impact and provide a town centre that we can all be proud of. We will be expanding the #EverybodyThink campaign, to encourage people to act responsibly by disposing of litter and chewing gum in the many bins provided around the town centre.”

The Glass Works public square looking towards the new Cineworld.